The Cal Golden Bears take on the Virginia Tech Hokies in Blacksburg, Virginia, on Friday, Oct. 24. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Virginia Tech is favored by 5.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -220. Cal, meanwhile, enters as a +5.5 underdog and is +180 on the moneyline to pull off the upset. The over/under sits at 50.5 points.
Here’s my Cal vs. Virginia Tech prediction and college football picks for Friday, October 24.
Cal vs Virginia Tech Prediction
- Cal vs. Virginia Tech Pick: Cal +5.5
My Virginia Tech vs. Cal best bet is on the Golden Bears to cover the spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Cal vs Virginia Tech Odds
| California Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 50.5 -115o / -105u | +180 |
| VA Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 50.5 -115o / -105u | -220 |
- Cal vs Virginia Tech Spread: Virginia Tech -5.5, Cal +5.5
- Cal vs Virginia Tech Over/Under: 50.5 Points
- Cal vs Virginia Tech Moneyline: Cal +180, Virginia Tech -220
Cal vs Virginia Tech College Football Betting Preview
Cal Golden Bears Betting Preview: Offense Will Eat
The Golden Bears got back on track last week, taking down North Carolina. However, their homestand is over, and they now must go on the road to one of the toughest environments in Lane Stadium.
While the Hokies boast a great home-field advantage, the Bears have all the tools to quiet them early.
Cal runs a high-volume passing offense. It hasn't been very efficient, though, as quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele ranks 113th in completion percentage and 107th in interception rate.
However, he should produce against a Hokies secondary that ranks 131st in opponent completion percentage, 129th in yards per pass allowed and hasn't forced many interceptions this season.
Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Preview: Drones' Struggles Will Hurt
As for the Hokies, they come into this matchup looking to stop the bleeding after losing two straight and now standing at 2-5 on the season.
We've gone over how their defense has been a big issue and a prominent contributor to their struggles, but their offense is to blame, too.
Quarterback Kyron Drones hasn't made any strides as a passer this season, ranking 123rd in completion percentage and 122nd in yards per pass. It also doesn't help that he has held the ball quite a bit too long, and the Hokies are 112th in sack rate because of it.
Virginia Tech's offensive success has come on the ground, as running backs Marcellous Hawkins and Terion Stewart have combined to average 6.8 yards per rush. However, Cal has been decent against the run, ranking 73rd in yards per carry allowed.
Expect the Bears to make Drones beat them with his arm by loading the box and containing the Hokies' ground game.
Cal vs Virginia Tech Pick, Betting Analysis
The Hokies' struggles with the passing attack on both sides of the ball will decide this matchup.
Cal can keep the chains moving through the air, and Virginia Tech has been horrid at getting off the field on third down and at stopping teams in the red zone.
On the other side, the Hokies' passing attack is a big question mark with Drones leading the charge. He hasn't proven he can win games without a running game to support him.
Back Cal to cover the spread as a live underdog in this one.
Pick: Cal +5.5
Cal vs Virginia Tech Betting Trends
